Special Olympics gets a boost

By SCOTT MARION, smarion@edwpub.net

Published
11:14 am CDT, Thursday, June 14, 2018

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Special Olympics Torch Run

The Wildey Theater made a check presentation for $5,880 for Special Olympics to the Edwardsville Police Department on Monday afternoon during the Special Olympics Torch Run. From left to right are Edwardsville police officers Justin Towell and Mark Lask, Special Olympics athlete Lisa Newbury, Edwardsville police officers Jackson Nolan and Mike Fillback, Wildey Theater assistant manager Janel Ellsworth, Edwardsville police dispatcher James Henghold and Wildey Theatre manager Al Canal. less

The Wildey Theater made a check presentation for $5,880 for Special Olympics to the Edwardsville Police Department on Monday afternoon during the Special Olympics Torch Run. From left to right are Edwardsville ... more

Special Olympics gets a boost

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EDWARDSVILLE — A brief stop at the Wildey Theater proved worthwhile for members of the Edwardsville Police Department as they participated in the Special Olympics Torch Run on Monday.

Al Canal, manager of the Wildey Theater, presented the police department with a check for $5,880 for the Special Olympics.

The donation from the Wildey came about as part of an upcoming pair of concerts by Arlo Guthrie, who will appear at the theater on Nov. 9-10.

Guthrie's local shows are part of his annual "Alice's Restaurant" tour, featuring songs from his debut album in 1967. The title track has become a Thanksgiving Day classic and is Guthrie's signature song.

"He has been doing an annual Thanksgiving show at Carnegie Hall (in New York) for many years, so we're happy to be part of this tour," Wildey Theater manager Al Canal said. "Meanwhile, I was talking to (Edwardsville police) chief (Jay) Keeven about Special Olympics and the police do so many good things for the community.

"I found out they were a little short (on fundraising) for Special Olympics, so I checked with Arlo's management if they would be interested in doing a pre-sale for extra money for people who want to get their tickets first. We were allowed to tack on an extra $20 per ticket and sold 294 tickets, with 100 percent of that money going to Special Olympics."

The Edwardsville Police Department has been participating in the Special Olympics Torch Run since 1997.

Other Special Olympics fundraising events include the Polar Plunge, held in February at Carlyle Lake and a special day at Culver's in April. Upcoming events are July 26 at Texas Roadhouse and Aug. 23-26 at Shop 'n Save.

"Over the years, we've increased the amount that we raise through different events," said Edwardsville Police Major Michael Fillback. "Al Canal here at the Wildey came up with a suggestion and he was able to raise more than $5,800.

"Everything that we raise goes to Special Olympics here in Illinois and those athletes and their families really appreciate the effort. They don't care if you raise a dime or if you raise $10,000 — they'll give you the same hug and the same smile."

The Edwardsville Police Department is involved in numerous fundraising efforts and community projects, but Special Olympics holds a special place in the officers' hearts.

"There are a lot of great charities out there, but this is one that law enforcement adopted back in the 1980s," Fillback said. "We got on board with it and really enjoy it. We thank all the businesses and all the citizens that donate and participate. We can stand out there all day, but if no one gives any money, it doesn't matter.

"The first year we did this, we probably raised about $75, but last year we raised about $17,000. Getting another $5,800 from the Wildey will make a huge difference."

The Edwardsville Police Department's portion of the Torch Run began early Monday afternoon at the QuikTrip on Troy Road, where they received the torch from the Glen Carbon Police Department.

The three-mile trek made a brief stop for a check presentation at the Wildey Theater before finishing at TheBANK of Edwardsville, where the torch was handed over to the SIUE Police Department.

Torch runners this year for the Edwardsville Police Department included Fillback, officers Justin Towell, Jackson Nolen and Mark Lask and dispatcher James Henghold.

Eventually, the torch will make its way to Bloomington/Normal, where the Illinois Special Olympics will be held Friday through Sunday.

"The Special Olympics athletes appreciate it, but I also appreciate that they come out here and do things like this because they're doing it on their own time," Fillback said. "That sets an example for the community and it gives us a great opportunity to talk to people in the community, other than pulling them over and telling them they're not wearing their seatbelt."

To make a donation to Special Olympics, call Fillback at 692-7256 or talk to any Edwardsville police officer.